Ugly threats after Tolley hearing date

An uproar in the public gallery at a hearing about the death of slain Upper Hutt woman Lois Tolley has left her aunt distressed.

As a hearing in the High Court at Wellington ended yesterday, and the judge left, a man charged with Tolley’s murder gestured to people in the public gallery as he was led to the cells.

People in the back of the court started an angry exchange, with some meowing like a cat, someone calling out, ‘‘pussy’’, another person saying ‘‘get the right person’’, and other things as police stepped between two groups as the court emptied.

Outside, Tolley’s aunt, Lorraine Duffin, said she was ‘‘absolutely devastated’’ by the behaviour in the courtroom.

‘‘We are going through enough and to have to sit in a courtroom and be subjected to abuse and threats . . . it’s just so disrespectful to all of the family that are going through this all.

‘‘We have had a loss and we don’t need to be subjected to stuff in the courtroom and it’s just so unnecessary. We understand it’s a hard journey for both sides, please show us the respect that we gave you and just leave us alone.’’

Duffin and other members of Tolley’s family wore T-shirts displaying the victim’s image.

Tolley’s parents, who lived in Australia, were not able to attend. Her mother was facing serious health issues because of what happened to their daughter, said Duffin.

It’s been more than three years since Tolley was killed at her Upper Hutt flat.

In September, a 27-year-old man was charged with her murder and related offences. He is in custody.

Another man, 28, was charged with two charges of aggravated burglary and one of assault with intent to rob, and is on bail.

The defendants appeared separately at yesterday’s hearing. Both have pleaded not guilty and are due to stand trial in May 2021. The case was originally set down for October this year.

Lawyers for both men asked for name suppression to continue based on fair trial rights, the possibility that more people might yet be charged, and unspecified ‘‘concerns’’ for the man who has been released on bail.

Justice Simon France continued suppression at least until the two defendants are due back in court on August 14. Identity would be an issue at the trial, he said.

Tolley was found shot and stabbed on her lounge floor on December 9, 2016.